Wolfson chip aims to eliminate background noise

The Inquirer reports electronics maker Wolfson Microelectronics is working on new anti-noise chips that can reduce background noise by 32 decibel. The first phones with the technology are expected in 2012, and the company hints it may be adopted by Samsung, LG and Nokia.

While the technical goal is a 32 decibel (dB) reduction in background noise, what that means is that people will have the perception of virtually all noise disappearing.

Here is the science bit, though. Sound volume is measured on a logarithmic scale, so while background noise might be 90dB and might be reduced to 58dB in scientific terms, that difference to the human ear is actually massive.

For the person on the end of the phone, their sound experience is also set to change, as Wolfson explains that it can achieve substantial local noise reductions by sending anti-noise into the ear.